No. 15 Lions Claim Saint Leo Invitational Championship

Oct 18, 2011

SAINT LEO, Fla. – The 15th-ranked Saint Leo women's golf team marked a program first as they claimed the top slot in the 2011 Saint Leo Invitational on Tuesday at the Par-72, 6,063 yard course at Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club in Saint Leo, Fla.

The Lions concluded the two-day invitational with a combined score of 33-over 609 (302-307), marking the third best 36 hole tournament score in program history.

Topping off a list of seven schools ranked in the Golfstat top-20, including five within in the top-10, the Lions finished two strokes ahead of No. 2 Florida Southern, shooting one shot better than the Mocs on both days of competition.

Taking fourth place overall, and leading the Green and Gold, was junior Ragna Olafsdottir (75-76---151), carding a seven-over 151.

Lauren Huertas improved four strokes from her day one performance of seven-over 79, to card a three-over 75, en route to her 10-over 154. Matching Huertas on the board in a tie for ninth was Heather Petronis, who fired 10-over 154 after tallying 73 on the first day, and concluding the tournament with a nine-over 81.

Goeun Lee and Clare Connolly wrapped up the roster in a tie at 13th overall, bringing in overall scores of 11-over 155. Lee took advantage of a first round three-over 75, and brought in an eight-over 80 in the final round. Connolly improved three strokes on the last day, pulling in a seven-over 79 on the first day, and rebounding on the final round for a four-over 76.

The Lions teed off on Monday morning with amazing support from the Saint Leo community, and carried the momentum into both days of competition.

"The girls and I were incredibly grateful for all of the support on the first tee," said head coach Erika Brennan. "Seeing so many students, coaches, student-athletes and even Fritz come out to cheer us on was just amazing! For a sport that doesn't typically draw 'fans' we received so many compliments about the great atmosphere that you created. The entire team thanks you."

Behind Saint Leo and Florida Southern in the overall standings, was Seminole State College, who claimed third with a 44-over 620. Seminole State's Elia Folch Sola earned the top individual spot after carding two-over 74 on both days for a five-over 148.

"We have so many people we want to send a heartfelt 'thank you' to," added Brennan. "This event would not have been possible without Jack Pultorak and his team of rules officials from the Florida State Golf Association, Jonathan Lee and the golf staff at Lake Jovita, the membership of Lake Jovita for volunteering their time as shuttle drivers, the Athletic Communications staff and John Semeraro for their countless hours put in behind the scenes, and to Mr. Reidy for returning to his coaching roots to help put us on top. Thank you all for such a memorable event!"

The Lions return to action on October 24, when they participate in the Flagler Fall Slam at Marsh Creek Country Club in St. Augustine, Fla. For the latest news, updates, and information on the Saint Leo women's golf team, visit SaintLeoLions.com.